A recent collaboration between the Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and Starbucks was formed to design The Starbucks Reserve Roastery in the Nakameguro region of Tokyo.
This is the 5th store of its kind and follows on from branches in Seattle, Shanghai, Milan and New York. A unique feature of these exclusive stores is that coffee enthusiasts are given the opportunity to sample caffeinated food, cocktails and beverages.
The innovative design concept embraces the Japanese culture and crafts from its origami like ceiling to the trails of cherry blossoms.
The four storey building accommodates balcony terraces on timber fins extended on the facade, in homage to local architecture, ensuring that this modern structure complements the pre existing buildings in the area.
Liz Muller, chief design officer at Starbucks, was responsible for the interior fit out. An enormous hand hammered coffee bean cask soars from the entrance throughout the entire 4 floors of the building, adorned by hand crafted copper cherry blossoms, inspired by the famous cherry blossoms
which bloom every spring on the banks of the nearby Meguro river, are suspended on string to create a dramatic, shimmering welcome to the coffee loving customers of the establishment.
